From shaky cam to unimaginative reboots to endless sequels and just plain bad movies, there are no shortage of culprits when it comes to the pretty woeful state of contemporary action movies. Sure, there are recent exceptions — “The Raid” flicks, “John Wick” — but for the most part, template-driven blockbuster entertainment has resulted in spectacles that are increasingly familiar and far less exciting. But the issues with these movies go much further.

In an extensive, well-thought-out, twenty-minute video essay, Chris Stuckmann explores the various problems facing the action movie genre today. From heroes that are so invincible we never fear for their peril, storylines that don’t spark immediate tension, and sequences poorly shot and edited to the point of incomprehensibility, it would appear Hollywood has lost its way when it comes to original, exciting thrill rides.

So check it out below, and be sure to share your thoughts on how the action movie genre can be refreshed. [via Reddit]